It's Crossroads time as Agustien returns to Birmingham

Kemy Agustien heads back to his first English club today with his Albion career at a crossroads.

The enigmatic Dutch midfielder has the rest of the season to show he is worth keeping or end up another wasted talent.

Agustien first kicked a ball in this country for Birmingham, the Seagulls’ opening away opponents in the Championship.

That was six years ago. It took him until Tuesday night’s Capital One Cup win against Cheltenham at the Amex to record his 50th start in England, including spells also for Swansea and Crystal Palace.

Four clubs in the top two divisions saw enough to think he was worth taking on but he has yet to establish himself and fully exploit his ability.

Time is running out for Agustien to make his mark.

He will be 28 next Wednesday. He should be in his prime but Sami Hyypia may become the latest manager whose patience wears thin.

Agustien has been involved throughout pre-season and in the first two games of the season proper since Hyypia took charge.

He produced, by his own admission on Twitter, “the worst game in my career” in Albion’s penultimate warm-up match at Peterborough.

Hyypia’s squad is not exactly bursting at the seams at present and Agustien was on the bench for last Saturday’s first fixture at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

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He replaced Jake Forster-Caskey for the final half-hour but failed to make a telling difference as Albion slipped to a 1-0 defeat.

Hyypia handed him a more obvious chance to shine in the starting line-up against Cheltenham.

Agustien, deployed as the most advanced midfielder behind Chris O’Grady and Craig Mackail-Smith, fluffed his lines.

He spurned a good opportunity to ease the anxiety around the Amex by scoring his first goal in England soon after the restart.

He was replaced midway through the second half by Kazenga LuaLua, who made the kind of impact Hyypia must have been hoping for from Agustien.

LuaLua won and took the corner which led to Lewis Dunk’s breakthrough 11 minutes from time and supplied the pass for Mackail-Smith to round off Albion’s safe passage in the closing moments.

Agustien is clearly capable of delivering far more than he has in his first year with Albion.

He represented the Netherlands, a nation renowned for a healthy production line of technically accomplished players, at under-20 and under-21 level.

It was around that time that Agustien joined Birmingham from AZ Alkmaar on a season-loan loan, with an option for the move to become permanent for a fee of £2 million euros.

He played 20 games for tomorrow’s hosts but was plagued by injuries. Alex McLeish, Birmingham’s manager at the time, “couldn’t commit to bringing him in for the money asked”.

Agustien later said: “I was 21-years-old. To come from Holland straight into the Championship to a team that wanted to go for promotion was a very big step.

“People really miscalculated that. Everything was so quick and more physical. That year I had two operations on my groin and it didn’t really work out but I said I was always going to come back and I was very lucky to have the chance again with Swansea.”

During his time at Swansea, which included a loan stint with Palace, Agustien helped them to promotion under Brendan Rodgers. He was deemed by the current Liverpool boss, in spite of further injury problems, to be worthy of another two-year deal.

He starred against Sir Alex Ferguson’s title-winning Manchester United after Michael Laudrup took charge but played only a bit-part role under the Dane before Albion signed him last summer.

Oscar Garcia, days into his reign and short of central midfielders in a depleted squad, sanctioned the acquisition of Agustien.

He was a peripheral figure under the Spaniard amid constant concerns about his fitness. Nathan Jones, Oscar’s assistant, remarked in March, that he “needs to contribute every single day”.

With Paddy McCourt, another gifted maverick, on trial with Albion, the need for Agustien to contribute every single day has never been greater.

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Otherwise the co-owner of chavelylifestyle, a Miami-based fashion agency, may find himself with more time to fill on the beaches of Florida than the playing fields of England.

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Comments (25)

We would be better off with mrs turtle or sandi in his wheel chair than this lump of lard, absolute joke signing, sorry but if a guy turns up for a medical a couple of stones over weight surely someone should have known what was coming? Was this another jones / Burke master stroke? Guy I would imagine is on 10k a week, or over two years 1 million pounds! Maybe he is big boned? The signing of the Liverpool play maker means taxi for the big man!

We would be better off with mrs turtle or sandi in his wheel chair than this lump of lard, absolute joke signing, sorry but if a guy turns up for a medical a couple of stones over weight surely someone should have known what was coming? Was this another jones / Burke master stroke?
Guy I would imagine is on 10k a week, or over two years 1 million pounds!
Maybe he is big boned? The signing of the Liverpool play maker means taxi for the big man!mark by the sea

We would be better off with mrs turtle or sandi in his wheel chair than this lump of lard, absolute joke signing, sorry but if a guy turns up for a medical a couple of stones over weight surely someone should have known what was coming? Was this another jones / Burke master stroke? Guy I would imagine is on 10k a week, or over two years 1 million pounds! Maybe he is big boned? The signing of the Liverpool play maker means taxi for the big man!

Score: 9

Grendel says...10:42am Sat 16 Aug 14

Get rid.

Get rid.Grendel

Get rid.

Score: 12

SMF20 says...10:46am Sat 16 Aug 14

A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return. I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though. I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too. Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.

A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return.
I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though.
I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too.
Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.SMF20

A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return. I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though. I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too. Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.

Score: 12

MHubbs says...11:00am Sat 16 Aug 14

Loose a couple of stone and then sell him on

Loose a couple of stone and then sell him onMHubbs

Loose a couple of stone and then sell him on

Score: 10

mark by the sea says...11:00am Sat 16 Aug 14

SMF20 wrote…

A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return. I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though. I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too. Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.

Why is it harsh ? When he played his first friendly last year he was about two stone over weight? The gulf between him and cms who trained all summer ready for his chance .. Who ever sanctioned his signing should go

[quote][p][bold]SMF20[/bold] wrote:
A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return.
I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though.
I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too.
Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.[/p][/quote]Why is it harsh ? When he played his first friendly last year he was about two stone over weight?
The gulf between him and cms who trained all summer ready for his chance ..
Who ever sanctioned his signing should gomark by the sea

SMF20 wrote…

A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return. I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though. I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too. Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.

Why is it harsh ? When he played his first friendly last year he was about two stone over weight? The gulf between him and cms who trained all summer ready for his chance .. Who ever sanctioned his signing should go

Score: 7

mark by the sea says...11:01am Sat 16 Aug 14

MHubbs wrote…

Loose a couple of stone and then sell him on

Only chance is pay him up, get rid

[quote][p][bold]MHubbs[/bold] wrote:
Loose a couple of stone and then sell him on[/p][/quote]Only chance is pay him up, get ridmark by the sea

MHubbs wrote…

Loose a couple of stone and then sell him on

Only chance is pay him up, get rid

Score: 10

MyBestMatchEver.com says...11:06am Sat 16 Aug 14

It's a real shame as the lad must have some talent but he's been shocking for us so far this season!

It's a real shame as the lad must have some talent but he's been shocking for us so far this season!MyBestMatchEver.com

It's a real shame as the lad must have some talent but he's been shocking for us so far this season!

Score: 14

AlanDuffy says...11:14am Sat 16 Aug 14

mark by the sea wrote…

SMF20 wrote…

A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return. I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though. I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too. Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.

Why is it harsh ? When he played his first friendly last year he was about two stone over weight? The gulf between him and cms who trained all summer ready for his chance .. Who ever sanctioned his signing should go

He has gone

[quote][p][bold]mark by the sea[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]SMF20[/bold] wrote:
A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return.
I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though.
I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too.
Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.[/p][/quote]Why is it harsh ? When he played his first friendly last year he was about two stone over weight?
The gulf between him and cms who trained all summer ready for his chance ..
Who ever sanctioned his signing should go[/p][/quote]He has goneAlanDuffy

mark by the sea wrote…

SMF20 wrote…

A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return. I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though. I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too. Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.

Why is it harsh ? When he played his first friendly last year he was about two stone over weight? The gulf between him and cms who trained all summer ready for his chance .. Who ever sanctioned his signing should go

He has gone

Score: 6

SMF20 says...11:15am Sat 16 Aug 14

mark by the sea wrote…

SMF20 wrote…

A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return. I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though. I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too. Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.

Why is it harsh ? When he played his first friendly last year he was about two stone over weight? The gulf between him and cms who trained all summer ready for his chance .. Who ever sanctioned his signing should go

As I said... I agree with your thoughts. I just don't think that personal insults are necessary.

[quote][p][bold]mark by the sea[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]SMF20[/bold] wrote:
A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return.
I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though.
I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too.
Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.[/p][/quote]Why is it harsh ? When he played his first friendly last year he was about two stone over weight?
The gulf between him and cms who trained all summer ready for his chance ..
Who ever sanctioned his signing should go[/p][/quote]As I said... I agree with your thoughts. I just don't think that personal insults are necessary.SMF20

mark by the sea wrote…

SMF20 wrote…

A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return. I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though. I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too. Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.

Why is it harsh ? When he played his first friendly last year he was about two stone over weight? The gulf between him and cms who trained all summer ready for his chance .. Who ever sanctioned his signing should go

As I said... I agree with your thoughts. I just don't think that personal insults are necessary.

Score: 10

Quiterie says...11:15am Sat 16 Aug 14

I still can't believe we signed him. Injury prone, fat and a cretin (as his driving ban for 39 - yes 39! points demonstrates). Something went badly wrong in the recruitment department when we signed this waste of space.

I still can't believe we signed him. Injury prone, fat and a cretin (as his driving ban for 39 - yes 39! points demonstrates).
Something went badly wrong in the recruitment department when we signed this waste of space.Quiterie

I still can't believe we signed him. Injury prone, fat and a cretin (as his driving ban for 39 - yes 39! points demonstrates). Something went badly wrong in the recruitment department when we signed this waste of space.

Score: 8

Seagulls via LCFC says...11:38am Sat 16 Aug 14

Played little, lots of injuries and when he did play, contributed next to nothing. Time to let him go and save some money.

Played little, lots of injuries and when he did play, contributed next to nothing. Time to let him go and save some money.Seagulls via LCFC

Played little, lots of injuries and when he did play, contributed next to nothing. Time to let him go and save some money.

Score: 11

mark by the sea says...11:39am Sat 16 Aug 14

AlanDuffy wrote…

mark by the sea wrote…

SMF20 wrote…

A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return. I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though. I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too. Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.

Why is it harsh ? When he played his first friendly last year he was about two stone over weight? The gulf between him and cms who trained all summer ready for his chance .. Who ever sanctioned his signing should go

He has gone

Think he was signed after Gus left and Garcia coming, so jones and Burke.(

[quote][p][bold]AlanDuffy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]mark by the sea[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]SMF20[/bold] wrote:
A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return.
I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though.
I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too.
Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.[/p][/quote]Why is it harsh ? When he played his first friendly last year he was about two stone over weight?
The gulf between him and cms who trained all summer ready for his chance ..
Who ever sanctioned his signing should go[/p][/quote]He has gone[/p][/quote]Think he was signed after Gus left and Garcia coming, so jones and Burke.(mark by the sea

AlanDuffy wrote…

mark by the sea wrote…

SMF20 wrote…

A bit harsh Mark but i'm not going to disagree that Kemy is costing a lot of money for not a lot in return. I actually think that the guy has a bit of talent... He is wasting it like countless others do though. I sincerely hope that the Young Joao makes an impact for us and that we go on to sign Paddy McCourt too. Where this leaves Kemy? I believe the writing is on the wall.

Why is it harsh ? When he played his first friendly last year he was about two stone over weight? The gulf between him and cms who trained all summer ready for his chance .. Who ever sanctioned his signing should go

He has gone

Think he was signed after Gus left and Garcia coming, so jones and Burke.(

Score: 4

Mayfield sweeper says...11:45am Sat 16 Aug 14

Think I saw him the other day with a KFC bargain bucket and large milkshake.

Think I saw him the other day with a KFC bargain bucket and large milkshake.Mayfield sweeper

Think I saw him the other day with a KFC bargain bucket and large milkshake.

Score: 2

Piglet1 says...11:52am Sat 16 Aug 14

mark by the sea wrote…

We would be better off with mrs turtle or sandi in his wheel chair than this lump of lard, absolute joke signing, sorry but if a guy turns up for a medical a couple of stones over weight surely someone should have known what was coming? Was this another jones / Burke master stroke? Guy I would imagine is on 10k a week, or over two years 1 million pounds! Maybe he is big boned? The signing of the Liverpool play maker means taxi for the big man!

Strangely I find myself in agreement.

[quote][p][bold]mark by the sea[/bold] wrote:
We would be better off with mrs turtle or sandi in his wheel chair than this lump of lard, absolute joke signing, sorry but if a guy turns up for a medical a couple of stones over weight surely someone should have known what was coming? Was this another jones / Burke master stroke?
Guy I would imagine is on 10k a week, or over two years 1 million pounds!
Maybe he is big boned? The signing of the Liverpool play maker means taxi for the big man![/p][/quote]Strangely I find myself in agreement.Piglet1

mark by the sea wrote…

We would be better off with mrs turtle or sandi in his wheel chair than this lump of lard, absolute joke signing, sorry but if a guy turns up for a medical a couple of stones over weight surely someone should have known what was coming? Was this another jones / Burke master stroke? Guy I would imagine is on 10k a week, or over two years 1 million pounds! Maybe he is big boned? The signing of the Liverpool play maker means taxi for the big man!

Strangely I find myself in agreement.

Score: 1

pablobrowno says...12:12pm Sat 16 Aug 14

A glance at his twitter feed suggests he's got far more enthusiasm for his fashion line in the US than for football over here and keeping in shape. Seems a bit of a Leon Knight in the sense he thinks he's much better than he is, though he does have obvious talent hiding away in that frame. A wasted talent, he might regret it one day.

A glance at his twitter feed suggests he's got far more enthusiasm for his fashion line in the US than for football over here and keeping in shape. Seems a bit of a Leon Knight in the sense he thinks he's much better than he is, though he does have obvious talent hiding away in that frame.
A wasted talent, he might regret it one day.pablobrowno

A glance at his twitter feed suggests he's got far more enthusiasm for his fashion line in the US than for football over here and keeping in shape. Seems a bit of a Leon Knight in the sense he thinks he's much better than he is, though he does have obvious talent hiding away in that frame. A wasted talent, he might regret it one day.

Score: 2

namgo49 says...12:16pm Sat 16 Aug 14

I had not realised just what a poor track record he has had in this country. Very disappointing and it is difficult to see how he will ever come good

I had not realised just what a poor track record he has had in this country. Very disappointing and it is difficult to see how he will ever come goodnamgo49

I had not realised just what a poor track record he has had in this country. Very disappointing and it is difficult to see how he will ever come good

Score: 1

tinker111 says...12:21pm Sat 16 Aug 14

Grendel wrote…

Get rid.

Heard comment at Amex V S/W when he came on "WILL ADD WEIGHT TO MIDFIELD (FAT) "

[quote][p][bold]Grendel[/bold] wrote:
Get rid.[/p][/quote]Heard comment at Amex V S/W when he came on "WILL ADD WEIGHT TO MIDFIELD (FAT) "tinker111

Grendel wrote…

Get rid.

Heard comment at Amex V S/W when he came on "WILL ADD WEIGHT TO MIDFIELD (FAT) "

Score: 5

spaintospain says...12:31pm Sat 16 Aug 14

Did you listen to talk sport today they were asking why we are having problems signing players one word BURKE !!! You see fans aren't stupid this season is going to be very hard to take for us stupid fans who keep paying top money week in

Did you listen to talk sport today they were asking why we are having problems signing players one word BURKE !!! You see fans aren't stupid this season is going to be very hard to take for us stupid fans who keep paying top money week inspaintospain

Did you listen to talk sport today they were asking why we are having problems signing players one word BURKE !!! You see fans aren't stupid this season is going to be very hard to take for us stupid fans who keep paying top money week in

Score: 3

tug509 says...12:37pm Sat 16 Aug 14

So it`s agreed ,the powers that be will offer him a 4 year deal ................. only kidding :0)

So it`s agreed ,the powers that be will offer him a 4 year deal ................. only kidding :0)tug509

So it`s agreed ,the powers that be will offer him a 4 year deal ................. only kidding :0)

Score: 2

kwaidam says...12:54pm Sat 16 Aug 14

Oh god, the rest of the season... can't face watching him ponce around for nine months.... we deserve better....

Oh god, the rest of the season... can't face watching him ponce around for nine months.... we deserve better....kwaidam

Oh god, the rest of the season... can't face watching him ponce around for nine months.... we deserve better....

Score: 5

tug509 says...1:49pm Sat 16 Aug 14

Off topic this is the dirtiest leeds side I have seen since 1970 ,Warnock is total scum imo ,could have ended adomahs career ,hate players that play that way . And we`ve got them Tuesday .

Off topic this is the dirtiest leeds side I have seen since 1970 ,Warnock is total scum imo ,could have ended adomahs career ,hate players that play that way . And we`ve got them Tuesday .tug509

Off topic this is the dirtiest leeds side I have seen since 1970 ,Warnock is total scum imo ,could have ended adomahs career ,hate players that play that way . And we`ve got them Tuesday .

Score: -1

WisdomSpeaks says...1:51pm Sat 16 Aug 14

mark by the sea wrote…

MHubbs wrote…

Loose a couple of stone and then sell him on

Only chance is pay him up, get rid

Love your style. I could work with you as joint Head of Football! No messing - get in there !!!!! What amazes me is that people who are paid a lot of money don't see these things which stand out a mile. I'd love to see us insist that no one is signed for decent money who the manager has not watched live in person as it used to be. All this BS which they come out with about 'Managers couldn't possibly watch players personally with all they have on their plate' is nonsense. Good managers used to be out on the road EVERY night of the week unless there was a game we were involved in. They had their scouting team to watch players and everyone on the football side would be out watching games. You can't rely on DVD's to see a complete picture - and we have a massive DVD watching group at our club who've never played the game!

[quote][p][bold]mark by the sea[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]MHubbs[/bold] wrote:
Loose a couple of stone and then sell him on[/p][/quote]Only chance is pay him up, get rid[/p][/quote]Love your style. I could work with you as joint Head of Football! No messing - get in there !!!!! What amazes me is that people who are paid a lot of money don't see these things which stand out a mile.
I'd love to see us insist that no one is signed for decent money who the manager has not watched live in person as it used to be.
All this BS which they come out with about 'Managers couldn't possibly watch players personally with all they have on their plate' is nonsense.
Good managers used to be out on the road EVERY night of the week unless there was a game we were involved in. They had their scouting team to watch players and everyone on the football side would be out watching games.
You can't rely on DVD's to see a complete picture - and we have a massive DVD watching group at our club who've never played the game!WisdomSpeaks

mark by the sea wrote…

MHubbs wrote…

Loose a couple of stone and then sell him on

Only chance is pay him up, get rid

Love your style. I could work with you as joint Head of Football! No messing - get in there !!!!! What amazes me is that people who are paid a lot of money don't see these things which stand out a mile. I'd love to see us insist that no one is signed for decent money who the manager has not watched live in person as it used to be. All this BS which they come out with about 'Managers couldn't possibly watch players personally with all they have on their plate' is nonsense. Good managers used to be out on the road EVERY night of the week unless there was a game we were involved in. They had their scouting team to watch players and everyone on the football side would be out watching games. You can't rely on DVD's to see a complete picture - and we have a massive DVD watching group at our club who've never played the game!

Score: 2

MHubbs says...2:13pm Sat 16 Aug 14

It's less a matter of 'crossroads' and more a matter of 'the end of the road' 👍

It's less a matter of 'crossroads' and more a matter of 'the end of the road' 👍MHubbs

It's less a matter of 'crossroads' and more a matter of 'the end of the road' 👍

Score: 0

OldGull says...3:20pm Sat 16 Aug 14

Apologies, I stated yesterday we had a squad of 24 at present. I forgot one was Kemy......... We have a squad of 23 at present

Apologies, I stated yesterday we had a squad of 24 at present.
I forgot one was Kemy.........
We have a squad of 23 at presentOldGull

Apologies, I stated yesterday we had a squad of 24 at present. I forgot one was Kemy......... We have a squad of 23 at present

Ipsoregulated

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